Opera Columbus

I enjoyed the singing especially when the entire company sang at the close of the first act. It was transcendent! I love the trills and runs in this opera and Andrea Shokery did a WONDERFUL job with them.However, it was like attending a amatuer or college production. I am old fashioned; I prefer LaTraviata- which I've seen many times- the "Old School" way.; with scenery and costumes which both play characters themselves. The diva left the conveyance of emotion to her singing. I did not see the torment in her Violetta. There was no chemistry between Violetta and Alfredo. The singer who portrayed Giorgio appeared to be too young. It was hard to believe and a bit confusing to see him as Alfredo's father. I heard someone ( whom I assume is not familiar with the play) ask why Violetta was a "fallen women". In this production, this is not explained. The company running around in circles did not depict a party to me. Violetta being sexy in the first act and deathly ill in the last just didn't work: going from the seductive turn on the table ( somewhat uncomfortable to watch) to falling off the same - now her deathbed. The diva's voice was agile and capable. Over time, I'm sure she will hone her acting skills to complete her Violetta. The confetti which I understand was supposed to represent the bubbles of champagne was distracting as it lay on the floor throughout.. Actually, I think a lot was asked of the audience: to imagine a party scene, confetti as bubbles, a sickly fallen woman who looked very healthy ( make- up and costuming could have done the trick - no pun intended), a man playing father who seemed to be the same age as his son, a table that did double duty as a bed. Too much for me.

At first I was disappointed that there were no costumes and no scenery to speak of... but once the performance began, I was overwhelmed. Andrea Shokery as Violetta and Joahua Dennis as Alfredo helped make this an exciting, top-notch evening at the opera.

This is my second opera I've ever seen. It was great! Original. Different. Used a lot of different "mediums"....not sure if that was the correct word. The choir was video'd on stage along ribbons. There was an aerialist.

This was an amazing performance. The vocals were amazing but as a nice surprise the acting was also top notch. The scenery was not overdone or distracting. We had such a great time we can't wait for next season!

I have always wanted to see the opera, but never taken the chance to. I decided to go and I am so glad that I did! It was odd that I could see the orchestra on the stage and their use of a projector-generated wall to improve the acoustics was also an interesting touch. I thought all the performances were appropriately witty, heartfelt and fantastic. This was fabulous!

The High-level Production and the Stunning Artistry! Marvelous Job! Thank You!

I love "The Marriage of Figaro" and was so disappointed by this lackluster performance. There was no excitement to the instrumental music--everything seemed to be one tempo and one volume level. The cast was low-key and not at all exuberant in their on-stage actions (a shame since the slapstick element of this particular opera is one of its most endearing qualities); during one particularly disappointing moment when the entire chorus was onstage, no one moved--everyone just stood still and faced the audience with no animation whatsoever. I imagine part of the problem was due to the fact that the orchestra was onstage with the players, limiting both their ability to move more freely and the ability to have more interesting props on the stage. I took four young women to this performance hoping to inspire in them a love of opera; sadly I'm afraid that after this performance, their first experience will also be their last.

We really enjoyed the show and the venue. Wonderful evening out.

Let me start by saying that I am in no way an opera critic being this was my first opera experience. Going in I did not really know what to expect except it was supposed to be a comedy and was written by Mozart. My wife wanted to go and see this show, so I said I would take her and i am glad I did. With the exception that I do not know Italian and did not know it would all be sung in Italian I was really impressed with this opera. After a while of watching though, I got used to looking up briefly to see what the English translation was supposed to be so I knew what was going on. Like I said at the beginning, I am not an opera critic, but personally I give "Marriage of Figaro" five stars and would recommend seeing this to everyone.

Strong singers overall, with the Countess and Figero shining through the rest. Great ensamble work, bravo!

I loved it. It was funny, the costumes were beautiful, and the singing was amazing. I brought my sister, who has never listened to or seen an opera and she was blown away. I went to a columbus opera last year, and it was good, but there was one singer who was so good she made everyone else seem mediocre. This time, though, everyone was of equal quality. I cried at Cherubino's love song.

This light-hearted opera is an excellent way to break-in someone who has never been to this type of show.

All-in-all a strong performance by the cast and the orchestra. I would have preferred the orchestra in the pit rather than the back of the stage; that may have contributed to its dry sound. The set design was lame. I suppose this was to keep costs down, but I've seen elementary school productions with better sets.

Opera Columbus did a wonderful job portraying Berlin to Broadway. David Gagnon is always a pleasure to see and hear, and new faces such as Marcy Richardson and Ian Greenlaw brought fresh performances of their parts. Kari Ringer delivered her solos with such emotion and ebullience, I couldn't believe she was only a year out of Otterbein. Tim Veach and his dancers added color to the classic black-and-white picture one might otherwise expect. Bill Boggs and his pit crew added the finishing touches to a great evening at the Lincoln! Kudos!

the words were not easy to understand...we sat about 10 rows back on the main floor and could not understand most of the sung words. the "opera" itself was okay--i would prefer main stream operas.

To be honest, Ive never gone to an "Opera" before and wasnt sure how I would like it. I wasnt aware that it was in French (probably should have read up on that beforehand) but it wasnt bad. I probably will never go to one again just because its not my "cup of tea" but I think everyone should experience one in their lifetime.

After study Romeo and Juliet in school and knowing the story very well the show was amazing. Best part was my husband thought of the opera and took me.

had no desire to see it or any other opera did it for my girlfriend but i thought it was great now i cant wait to see my next one it was a great show

My husband and I went to see the Opera Romeo and Juliet. This was the first Opera we have been to. We were both in awe when we saw the beauty of the Ohio Theatre and the Opera was heartfelt, sad and romantic. I would recomend that everyone go see at least one Opera. It is an experience you will never forget.

Wow, what an incredible Opera. This was my first opera Romeo & Juliet had wonderful chemistry. I got mesmorized by the costumes, the scenery. The English subtitles were not overpowering. Shakespheres original words were used in spots shown by yellow text. The cast was excellent. Juliet was delicate and quite beautiful. You could feel the passion between them. I'll be back for more!

Vocals especially Romeo and Juliet were so amazing. The Ohio Theater venue is fabulous. Very romantic occasion for Valentines Day

Awesome show. We sat in the front row, so we got to see every facial expression and even the orchestra! Amazing!

There were 3 of us in our group who went to see this Opera. It was really nice. We enjoyed it very much.

Not very moving. Music was weak. Facility was great.

really really amazing and exciting!!!! I suggest for everybody also who not love opera!

At first, the video presentation seemed a bit hokey, but it quickly drew you into the story of this great talent. Introducing his family in attendance brought an even more personal feel to the production - it was like watching your own family history unveil in front of you. The tenors were wonderful and also fun. Loved it. Only negative comment was that the sound could have been a bit higher - in the 2nd row and the projection of the tenors was a bit low...and we don't have hearing problems. Otherwise, it was worth coming out in the very cold weather to be a part of such a wonderful event.

A rare treat to enjoy three artists, multiple songs and the orchestra outside of a formal full length opera performance. More casual but still spellbinding. Bravo! More like this please!

Vocals and symphony were wonderful. We did have a bit of trouble seeing a little of the production due to the orchestra being directly behind the scene, forcing the story out to the extreme front of the stage. I generally prefer the loge for the acoustics and view but, at this production would have preferred the floor. Again, vocals and symphony were wonderful. Stage layout was not the best for this particular venue.

The performance of the 4 lead players was very moving. The character Pagliacci was the best, the "laugh, clown" aria was fantastic. go see it!!

Beautiful, funny, and so much talent! There I was nothing stuffy or elitist about this presentation.

Very moving performance of La Boehme. Enjoyed it very much!!

Superb performances! Would recommend this show to anyone.

This production was about as good as it gets (outside of NYC). The cast of young singers was superb and how refreshing to see racially diverse/ethnic artists in a classical opera. The two lead men (and the two lead women) were unbelievably good. "Mimi" had more of a mezzo quality to her voice, that while taking me off guard at first, was so dramatically rich that I loved her interpretation. Stunning performance at this, the dress rehearsal. Do not miss this production!

A terrific, energetic and moving production of La Boheme, set incongruously in New Orleans, but it works. Great audience response. People in row behind me were moved to tears. Just wow.

Awesome performance. Beautifully cast-contemporary setting for a classic opera!

A very talented cast. Amada Kingston (Mimi) was very good in her role, but without a doubt the best performance was turned in by Noah Stewart (Rodolfo). Eric McKeever (Marcello) was also very good. It was enjoyable listening to the Soprano voices, but for us the rich baritone voices of the small cast carried the performance. We've decided to become season ticket holders, and I assure you you'll be completely satisfied if you attend a operatic performance at the Southern. The venue and Opera Columbus combine to present a wonderful experience through some of the world's most famous Operas. Bravo !

We spent a really good night at the Opera ! Lully's opera were always my favorites and the modern staging was nice (even I prefer a baroque one).

Cast was talented and vigorous. Ad libs, in true Gilbert & Sullivan tradition, were timely and funny. All together an enjoyable afternoon and as an extra treat, it was at the Southern Theater which is wonderful all by itself. I look forward to the next visit of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

I had not seen The Mikado since we performed it at camp many, many years ago. The presentation at The SOuthern Theatre was out of sight. The staging was won derful, the costumes great and well, the voices something else. Thank you for such a great evening with Gilbert and Sullivan.

Great show, great company! The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players are in love with their material, and transmit that love to the audience with every line. Their singing and acting are wonderful, and their little bits of stage highjinks (like the recurring sight gag of the executioner's axe) are inspired.

We really enjoyed the show. More like a musical comedy than a classic opera. Gilbert and Sullivan songs are great with some modern tweaks that did not affect the atmosphere. Great all around time.

Having see this production in St. Louis last year, we watched the company's website for news of a return to the midwest...Ohio was close enough to make it a weekend trip. We were not disappointed. Like a trip back in time...the Southern Theater is a jewel, and the NYGASP company's love of and loyalty to Gilbert & Sullivan's masterpiece shines through in every moment. The local orchestra was a magnificent match. We will treasure the memory of this night and look forward to another chance to see these consumate professional players. The only disappointment was to see quite a number of empty seats - too bad for those who missed it! (I've got them on the list.)

Very entertaining and performers were excellent. My only issue is my hearing - difficult for me to understand some of the lyrics - I'm spoiled by the Met performances!

Absolutely wonderful show. We are from NYC before coming to Columbus - so going t professional plays, musicals, etc. is in our blood. Everything about this show was delightful.. I can't imagine one thing that they could have done to have made it any better. The most enjoyable evening. When can I order tickets for next year!!!

It was one of the best performances of the Mikado I have ever seen. It was personalized to Columbus and modern day. The actors did a wonderful job and made the show very interactive. The conductor and orchestra were simply amazing as well!

Great stuff! For non Italian speaking people like me comes with subtitles.

It was great to see the recent production Mozart's Don Giovanni. The production was young, enthusiastic and pure and funny. Well done! I wish the audience was as into it as we were.

Well done. Unique "opera", as the style is actually more like a musical. However, the singing and acting were very well done.

Very strong historical accuracy of a period theatrical comedy that was intended to prick the propriety of English military aristrocracy and those that ascribed to the motto "Duty First" The dancing was quite lively and the musical numbers were well rehearsed. The antics of the English Bobbies was a riot. I plan to attend other Gilbert and Sullivan plays put on by this troupe when they roll through Columbus, OH in the future.

The musical was played broad and hammy... milking lines or bits....i did not like the style, but my kids did! Talented cast and orchestra. some singers were overstretched (e.g.Mabel, major general)

The show was fun and quirky. The acting and singing was great. The orchestra was a bit too loud and made it difficult to understand the words at times.

A wonderful show- terrific talent, great music, lovely venue. Perfect intro to opera for my 7 yr old daughter. Truly enjoyable!

I was very disappointed in the show as a whole and in my seating. I was told by the ticket master sales that these were good seats. My guess is they have never been there.

This performance was one of the best I've seen of this production; dare I say I think it is better than the filmed version by Joseph Papp back in the 1980s with Linda Ronstadt. The sets were simple, but were very effective and fit the scenes well. The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players were very good performers and nailed the characterizations perfectly. The costumes were also fitting for the period and characters. The director, however, rushed the music a bit and it sometimes seemed to be way too fast for the players to keep up with the music. There were a few times it was out of synch between the orchestra and the singers. It was so fast in fact that the second act seemed to fly by. Even the critic in the local paper noted the same thing. On better notes, the players seemed to have a genuine rapport with the orchestra and cultivated a good rapport with the audience as well during the performance. There were many hilarious parts where the players took advantage of the rapport with the audience and orchestra to pull off great gags and one-liners, which were already in the libretto but used to full advantage. The part in the second act where the percussionist played the tympani instead of the triangle and thus caused the Sergeant to fall over was good. What followed, when the Sergeant then stopped in the middle everything and bantered about with the percussionist about the difference between a little chime and the tympani was great. He stole everyone's hearts when he made a comment to the audience then that the percussionist wasn't all there and therefore must be from Michigan (being most people in the Columbus area are OSU fans). We had general admission seats at the lowest price and we were in the nosebleed section - the back of the second balcony - but the acoustics were so good we could hear everything and seeing it from that high was not really a problem. Sure, the more expensive tickets would have been great, but with being unemployed right now we got what we could get and we were thrilled to just be able to see this production. We were able to see and hear everything and for two to go out and see this production for under $30 was an excellent value. All in all, it was one of the best nights my wife and I have had out in years. The only reason it is only 4 stars was because of the rushing of the music, and that was not that big of a deal. It was still an excellent performance and we'd see it again.

the musical was awesome! i enjoyed it very much! i found that the show was more humerous than i anticipated which was a pleasant suprise.

The Pirates of Penzance was great fun. I really wish more people under 75 had been in the audience. This type of musical theater appeals to all ages (my kids are 11 and 14 and both had a great time). If you have a chance to see this you should!

This was a very good performance. The timing was good on the comedic aspects of the show and the performers had beautiful voices. The performers all seemed to really enjoy performing and it was great to watch.

My husband and I had a wonderful time at the Pirates of Penzance. We really enjoyed the talent, the humor, and the personality that the actors added on their own throughout the performance. The interaction between audience and stage and orchestra was fun. We enjoyed the wonderful music, and laughed throughout the performance. The Southern Theatre was beautiful inside and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We sat up in the balcony and were able to see everything and hear very well. The seats were a little small, not much leg room, but overall don't think there's a bad seat in the theatre. Accoustics were great. Highly recommend going to a performance! (May enjoy using binoculars if in the balcony, but not necessary.) There are not any screens for the words to the songs, so a little hard to understand, but we got the general idea.

I love Gilbert and Sullivan. The word play and ironic situations make me laugh. This production was well done with a wonderful orchestra and beautiful singing. The comedic moments were executed with skill. The Southern is an intimate theater perfect for this kind of production.

Fabulous opera - Marcy Richardson was unbelievable!

The singing, digital stage effects, and virtual participants were awesome. I thought the burlesque aspect would be interesting and creative, but it went a little too far and I felt like I was at a strip show. My daughter, a musician and artist, was very uncomfortable with the stripshow feel, and felt the instrumentals with the synthesizer were not necessarily well placed. You can make opera sexy without making it a sex show. My daughter disliked it so much she asked to leave at intermission.

This was my first opera, and I didn't really know what to expect aside from what is shown briefly in the movies. I have a few issues with this particular opera. Firstly, the story line was very brief and left out a ton of details that would have made the story much more interesting. The show was basically a summary of the what I imagine the story should be or could have been. Secondly, the dancing was off somehow. Either the choreography was just awkward or they brought out the backup team of the backup team. I understand what they were trying to convey with the dance routines but it was chunky and didn't flow well. Lastly, the set didn't change. I can't say if this is normal for an opera to have the same set throughout the show but the physical set did not change. Lighting and videos were projected and those things changed but only slightly. Other than that, the singing was phenomenal! I have never heard a man sing in falsetto that well and for that length of time. I was very impressed. And they have a lady singing while moving about and upside down holding herself up on a big ring. Also, very impressive. The virtual chorus was an interesting idea and I feel that could be used very well in operas in the future; however, when will the lead be a virtual singer? Why not just make it into a movie? I think I would prefer it to be all live. One more thing, they included an electric guitar into the band. This added a degree of touching your emotion that a standard band wouldn't be able to do. Quite cool to experience that.

I liked the other operas I ve seen and I was excited to see this one but it bored me to tears.

Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw", in its tonal language probably more challenging than the similarly dark "Peter Grimes", received a fine performance by Opera Columbus on Sunday. The libretto, written by Myfanwy Piper based on the novella by Henry James, seemed to wordy, almost garrulous, in comparison to Henry James' masterpiece novella on which it is based. It tries to explain and elaborate too much where the dark, oppressive atmosphere and the impenetrable mystery are much better conveyed in the stark and austere writing of the original. The music, however, is rich and colorful, its very avant garde material interspersed with nursery tunes, and shows Britten's assured mastery and mature genius as a composer. The soloists ranged mostly from very good to exceptional; standouts were Felicia Moore (Mrs. Grose), Emalie Savoy (Miss Jessell) and Miles Mykkanen (Peter Quint), the latter also portraining the Prologue and simultaneously appearing to stand in for the absent uncle/guardian, a directorial choice not immediately plausible to me. Liam McCarthy's pure and pretty voice did not quite resonate or project enough to successfully carry the important part of Miles, the young boy, although he delivered the treacherous vocal lines with commendable accuracy and tuning. The very challenging instrumental score was played admirably and expressively by fourteen soloists from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

This production of Turn of the Screw was okay, but far from inspired or moving, as opera should be. The singers were all good, but the performance lacked vision. Lighting was quite good, but flawed. Costumes and set were nondescript. The pit orchestra was good. Just because the direcctors and most of the singers came from NYC, the audience was not treated to a night at the Met... Columbus has equally good local talent who should have the opportunity to perform in local venues. No need to bring in an overprpiced crew from NYC

Loved watching this incredibly talented cast! Especially enjoyed seeing and hearing young Liam McCarthy, who played the role of Miles! Britten's music is not easy but he made it sound like it was a walk in the park!

I encourage everyone to read the review in the Columbus Dispatch. It is spot on. The production was absolutely perfect and thoroughly enjoyable.

This was a SPECTACULAR show! Friday night was sold out, and the cast and production was great. Well done!!! Wow Columbus!

What a wonderful production. So wonderful, I saw it twice in one weekend.

The people behind this production were more interested in making their point than delivering Carmen to the audience. The way they modified this ageless Opera was offensive at times. Several exceptional individual performances were drowned out by the distraction of a botched presentation of an otherwise flawless story.

Loved it it was amazing I will never forget it best day of my life

It was a wonderful production. I can't believe it was only a dress rehearsal. Everyone was wonderful!

Attended the redone & updated classic opera Carmen; amazing performance. Opera Columbus has turned me into a devout fan of opera. Who knew opera was so wonderful?

The performance was one of the best I have seen. It is just great to see a younger cast do a job better then a seasoned one. The sets and staging were just what was called for and the theatre was perfect.

Loved the show, well done and we had great seats. Would see the same one again.

The plot made no sense. It seemed like a child wrote it, making it up as he went along. It was the worst production I have ever endured. The ending was unbearably trite. Terrible waste of donor money!

There were a few moments of struggling with Mozart's too many notes, but overall the leads were amazing. The modern setting was hilarious and the CSO sounded great, as always. Highly recommend the Opera Columbus for everyone. It was nice to see the Great Southern in all its gilded charm. There is not a bad seat in this house and the acoustics are wonderful, better than the Ohio imho. Can't wait for Carmen. Bravo on a challenging performance.

The enhanced high jinx combined with the highest possible vocal artistry made this spy thriller adaptation of Mozart's "The Abduction of the Seraglio" a delightful experience. Costumes, scenery, and props are nicely conceived. Details of the spy theme, from the dry martini shaken, not stirred, to Bambi and Thumper acrobats, are totally engaging. Don't always like "updates," but this one works very well, with the original nature of Mozart's characterizations and fabulous music undiminished. Appreciate retaining the original German for the arias, as it fits the vocal lines so perfectly. Came back to see the production a second time . . . kudos to Opera Columbus!

The performers were very good, the production had some fun dialogue and hijinks. We had to leave at intermission because the Southern Theater seats are too close together and were crushing the front of our knees. It became too painful to continue sitting there for act 2.

Singers were excellent, orchestra and conductor also first class. Would have been nice to have a few more items to enhance the scenery

Production was outstanding. Excellent, young singers, orchestra on the stage, minimal set worked well.

The new director has clearly decided to spend the budget on talent and not scenery, and I love the choice. I would much rather hear an awesome singer on a sparse stage than the other way around. This production was great, lots of young talent.

La Traviata was our first opera, and is an experience to remember! I can't believe people can sing like that - without microphones. The cast was incredibly talented and the orchestra played beautifully!

La Traviata is not one of my favorite operas, but the performance given, especially of Violetta, was one of the best I've seen in Columbus. Verdi's storytelling is why this tragedy is timeless, and this performance portrayed the anguish, passions, and remorse of all three primary players.

Instead of the usual elegance of La Traviata, Opera Columbus gave us minimalist staging, costumes, lighting, even props. The two lead singers were good, as was the chorus, But the production was almost embarrassing in its Spartan approach. I have the sad feeling that Opera Columbus does this type of "less is more" production with frequency. If so, won't attend frequently.

I went to experience opera live for the very first time at the SouthernTheater and I was so overwhelmed, I had to go again on Friday eve! Amazing how a recording I have treasured for years was brought to life, given new meaning and definition by those whom performed to the very peak of their skill. Andrea Shokery was breathtaking with her portrayal of Violetta, and had tears rolling down my face by the end. All the other cast members did outstanding with their performances too, bringing the beloved opera to life for me, for the very first time. That includes new music director of the CSO, Rossen Milanov that gave the performance depth without asserting themselves over the players. I went on Wednesday and was so amazed, I returned on Friday to see if it was really that great. It was and I'm now sold on attending more performances in the future. I really encourage you to try a performance yourself. You will not be disappointed! Great job to all! Brava!!!

The singing was unbelievable. The entire cast was sensational. The only quibble I had with this opera was that it had been moved from France to modern day New Orleans. Some of the essence was lost in the move. You can't improve on Pucccini so don't even try.

With this opera being so popular, with recordings by famous artists, the benchmarks were high. This performane was up to par, singers were excellent, especially the tenor with the main role. we are planning on attending the Traviata performance scheduled for April

Attended the Opera Columbus performance of La Boheme and it was terrific. Having a live orchestra makes all the difference as no matter how good the sound system it will never be the equal of live music. This production changed the setting of the original opera to New Orleans post Katrina as opposed to the Latin Quarter in Paris circa 1840. It worked fine and I imagine it kept the cost of the sets and costumes lower. It did make the last act a bigger "leap of faith" as a seriously ill women would be taken to an ER in modern times. The singing was excellent all around with the roles of Rudolfo and Mimi being especially so. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance and plan to attend La Traviata in June.